Thoughts on Downgrading?

[WRXtranceformed]

Yeah I'm with Chris and DJ. I need navi for my job and I would never count on Garmin / TomTom units. Those suction cups do not work, they just fall down over time. The cords are ugly. Theft chance is higher. My particular navi unit does more than navi as well, it has integrated voice controls for almost everything that's electronic on the car, audio / traffic integration, sat radio, connection to the Acura database that automatically reads and displays CELs and it also integrates my backup camera (which is frivolous but VERY useful especially in tight city parking conditions). OEM navi also helps the resale value of the car.

My only real complaint is that to update it you have to buy new discs that are like $150-$180.

[Mike]

Why not buy a dash mount Garmin unit - they work better than the in dash ones anyways....

+juan

far better.

[Apoc]

After laying down quite a bit of cash to refinance our house, I really couldn't justify spending any more money. I also had a hard time finding a cheaper car with all the features I was interested in, so I decided to keep the car. That still didn't help me with the whole bike carrying problem and after talking to a few people, looked into the hitch option. After doing a bit of research, I found the Legacy was actually designed for a no-drill hitch install. You have to drop the exhaust to do it, but it took under 2 hours with a lift.

[Apoc]

Sooo... I'm thinking of getting an Element.

Items of note:

-We are moving to Seattle
-My wife won't really be working
-We are seriously discussing becoming a one car family
-I intend to walk, bike or take public transportation to work
-At some point, I'll probably sell the Ducati and buy a two seater convertible (yes, in Seattle)



Discuss.

[.RJ]

I like the Element - I looked at them pretty hard before I bought my Ridgeline. The only thing I would say is to look at the model with carpeted interior (I think its the SC model or something), it makes the car feel a little less utilitarian. That said, your wife's Mazda 3 would probably serve the 2 of you just fine living in a city. And keep the Ducati, will be new roads/places to explore.

[Apoc]

There is an SC in Leesburg that looks kinda nice: <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ctd/2716958636.html">http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ctd/2716958636.html</a><!-- m -->

Looking at comparative pictures, it seems A LOT nicer than the other models.

I can't stand Melissa's car. I really have no idea why, but nothing about it appeals to me. It just feels so blah and I want nothing to do with it long term.

Bike sale is fall '13 time frame. Melissa will be back for good and I'd like something more practical than an 848 for two person sunny day drives. Until then, I'll use every one of Seattle's 24 days of sun a year to explore.

[V1GiLaNtE]

My cousin has a Element and I'm actually impressed with it. It's not horrible to look at but it's the interiors functionality that gets you. You can fold those seats any and every which way. I actually like the non-carpeted version, made cleaning it out a breeze..that and the car will boogie..Matched to the available 5 spd I could chirp tires all the way to 3rd..Decent ride and cargo room is pretty kick ass.

[Evan]

My mom has an element EX, ~05 vintage.
It sucks in just about every way as an actual driven vehicle. The interior, build quality, ergo, handling, acceleration etc is all pretty bad. Usefulness and utility is the one (and only) thing it does very well, and Im pretty sure it was designed that way on purporse.
But if you dont like a mazda3, I cant imagine you loving an element.

if your 3 is a hatch and youre selling it let me know.

[ScottyB]

that "lasershow" upholstery belongs on a wetsuit from 1987. otherwise not bad. everyone i've talked to that owns one, loves it.

[Apoc]

I don't really have any expectations of loving it for any other reason than it being a cargo box on wheels. I suspect it'll be kinda crappy in every other way, but then I won't be driving it every day. I tell myself I'll like it more than the 3, mostly because it's so utilitarian and funky (can't believe I actually used that word). I have visions of loading the back with bikes or camping gear and being all hipster and shit. :lol:

The 5-door 3 will be for sale at some point. Not sure if it'll be now, or after she finishes school up back in this area.

[HAULN-SS]

lol @ that interior. I had no idea that would've even been in the realm of possibility in a car.

[Mike]

i was shopping elements when i ended up with the gti... complete bore to drive, but more utility [without getting a truck] than you could find use for. as rj said, the sc model is a must, but then you're stuck with fwd. i could not own one of the regular models... too blah.

[BLINGMW]

FWIW we have one of the most basic models, an '02 with plastic everything, FWD, 5spd. I don't know why you'd want carpeting. Something about dressing up a pig comes to mind. I love the plastic flooring for cleaning purposes, but as is often the case, I might be alone on that one. :dunno:
Has held up really well, and everyone's still in my way on ramps and at lights, so I have to disagree with Evan on most of his points. Sure, the steering and shifter are a bit vague, but honestly it handles darn well for it's size. And one-tire fires shifting into 3rd are fun, needs a LSD! :lol: That being said, I'm sure the AWD automatic is a totally different experience, it's like 2-3 sec slower 0-60. Put some decent AS tires on it and save yourself the weight and maintenance of the AWD system, ours had no trouble getting around last winter.

I should list *my* cons:
Wish it had a 6th gear (big 4cyl at 3.5-4k on the highway is pretty thrashy, and could probably get better economy)
Cargo space isn't as good as you might think, it's short. Especially with rear seats in use, there's no more trunk than a mid-size car. Minivan's a much better use of space.
It's a 4-seater for some reason. A few occasions that's been a problem and it's odd having having to take a much smaller car to fit MORE people. :?: Apparently the Japanese version is a 5-seater.
Near vertical windshield needs to be replaced every other year due to rocks.
Very low load limit. 4 people and a couple bags is it, and you can feel it. Very soft springs.
Suicide doors are neat until you park between other cars.
Whole thing isn't made out of unpainted plastic. There's still paint I have to wash! :oops:
Something in our transmission or hopefully just clutch dying, sounds like a bearing failing, COULD just be CV joints, but doesn't sound quite like that. ~135k miles.
Other minor gripes got fixed I think in the '04+, so that's it.

complete bore to drive

Just as boring as any FWD vehicle. :mrgreen:

[Apoc]

Would definitely get FWD as Seattle gets even less snow than DC.

I'd like manual, but it looks like they didn't make any SC manuals in '09 or '10. They have them in '07 and '08 but there's no navigation available in those years. So basically I have to choose between manual and navi... which seems like an easy choice but I REALLY like the convenience of OEM navi.

[BLINGMW]

hmm quite a conundrum! Well, I'm pretty happy/surprised they had the 5-spd option as long as they did, go Honda.

[Apoc]

Me: manual transmission or built-in navigation?
Wife: I am more for the manual, just because I feel wrong when not driving a manual

Hmm. Will definitely need to drive both.

[Mike]

Just as boring as any FWD vehicle. :mrgreen:

you're so dumb. i'll kill you.

[BLINGMW]

Me: manual transmission or built-in navigation?
Wife: I am more for the manual, just because I feel wrong when not driving a manual

Hmm. Will definitely need to drive both.

duuuuuude so YOU'RE the one that would pick nav over manual? You're supposed to blame that on her. :vomit: :dunno: :evileye: :vomit:

kisses to Mike :finger:

[Jake]

Wife: I am more for the manual, just because I feel wrong when not driving a manual

Keep her. :thumbup:

[JPolen01]

Who needs oem nav that needs an update every other year when you can use google maps on a smart phone?